Flick: Goetze and Podolski will be ready

Germany’s Mario Goetze and Lukas Podolski are nursing minor injuries but will be fit for tomorrow night’s World Cup soccer qualifier against Ireland in Dublin, assistant coach Hansi Flick said last night.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Goetze was rested towards the end of training yesterday, feeling the effects of a minor muscle injury. Arsenal winger Podolski, meanwhile is recovering from an ankle injury.

“Today was the first day that every player was there,” Flick said. “Yesterday Lukas and Mario received treatment. Lukas Podolski had some problems with his ankle, Mario with some muscle problems. We decided to spare him towards the end of training today when it became a bit more intensive. Goetze did individual training.”

Flick said the depth of Germany’s squad allowed them to easily adapt to any changes.

The Germans are already without injured defender Mats Hummels, midfielders Ilkay Guendogan and Lars Bender while captain Philipp Lahm is suspended. “Even despite the missing players, we can handle any absence because of our team’s strength,” insisted Flick.

Germany are looking to make it three wins in three qualifiers in Dublin before heading back to Berlin for a match against Sweden next Tuesday.

Flick said his team has been practising defensive plays, knowing that the Irish would be looking for chances of a quick break.

“Our focus is absolutely the defence. We have been working on the basics which at times have not worked that well in the past,” said Flick.

“Defence starts from attack and we need to be compact. We need to have order and move well. Our offensive players will also need to do a lot of defensive work.”